Hello {{Constituent First Name}},

November is the month of Thanksgiving and boy do we have things to be grateful for. October was a significant turning point for Comal Conservation and it would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Keep it Country Music Jam Planning Team led by our fearless Resource Development Chair Dirk Davidek. Dirk and crew pulled off an incredible event that brought hundreds of people together to celebrate conservation heroes, listen to local music, and raise money for the cause. Now that the dust has settled we can say that the first annual Keep it Country Music Jam was a huge financial win for Comal Conservation bringing in over $31,000 in unrestricted operating revenue.  

I am also happy to announce that in partnership with the McKenna Foundation, we have moved into our first official office. For the foreseeable future Comal Conservation will be housed within the walls of the McKenna Events Center here in New Braunfels. This physical location comes equipped with WIFI, printers and phone lines and will add a whole new level of sophistication and professionalism to our endeavors. 

Earlier this week a recent study cited via Texas Public Radio indicated that New Braunfels is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Our efforts to preserve land, water, and wildlife has never been more important. You can help protect the natural systems that make our communities so special. Donate, volunteer your time, make your voice heard, and explore natural systems that make Comal County so wonderful. Learn how you can get involved with our efforts on our website. I am grateful for everything you do. 

     Ryan Spencer 
     Executive Director 

COMAL CONSERVATION EVENTS

Amazing Turnout at Comal Conservation's Music Jam!

Thank you so much for supporting us. We hope you had an amazing time!

If you have any photos of the event you wish to share, please email them to info@comalconservation.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Frank Dietz - Exploring Karsts, Caves and Bats in the Texas Hill Country

 Herald Zeitung November column

Several years ago, I participated in a small working group to look at integrating school, summer camp and church youth activities with Nature learnings.  A young middle school teacher who was teaching in an area Hill Country school described how he does a “unit” with his classes examining karsts, caves and bats.  This young enthusiast soon left his school system to pursue graduate degrees and carry his imaginative approach in a different direction.  I trust it is spectacularly productive. Read the full article here. 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking landowners with water wells in eastern Bandera, northern Bexar and Medina, and parts of Comal and Kendall Counties who are willing to participate in a groundwater study of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers.

Hydrologists from the USGS are currently developing an initial well inventory to identify wells that they can include a study that will be used to gain a better understanding of long-term trends in groundwater levels in the aquifers, areas of groundwater depletion and recharge, groundwater flow paths, and cross aquifer communication.

To accomplish this goal, USGS staff will need to gather water-level data from as many wells within the study area as possible. They are requesting landowners that may have functioning groundwater wells within the Edwards and Trinity aquifers for permission to include their wells in the study.  You can read the full study proposal here.

Water levels will be measured throughout the study area in January and August of each year for a period of 2 to 5 years. Participants in the study will be provided the water levels measured in their well each time a technician collects measurements.  Knowing the water level may help landowners better prepare for future water level changes.

Anyone interested in participating it the study can contact Allan Clark, USGS Hydrologist, directly at akclark@usgs.gov

Comal County's Remote Recycling Program Discontinued

Comal County's remote recycling program will be discontinued at the beginning of 2025 after a vote to amend the fiscal year budget to keep the program failed due to a 2-2 split from commissioners. Recycling will no longer be an option for residents in unincorporated Comal County after commissioners voted to end the popular program.

The makeup of the commissioner's court is due to change on January 1st, so the issue may be reevaluated henceforth. If residents of unincorporated Comal County still wish to recycle you can drive to the chipping and recycling center found off of US 46.

Address: 281 Resource Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78132

The link to the discussion can be found here.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

 More information can be found on their website.

Christmas Tree Recycling Programs

Starting the day after Christmas, the following locations near New Braunfels will be offering free of charge Christmas tree recycling programs for non-artificial trees and greenery. Trees and greenery need to have all decorations removed prior to drop off.

Locations:

1. Pedernales Electric Cooperative: Trees Only

Address: 1530 FM 3673, Canyon Lake

2. Moe Schwab Recycling Center (Free mulch available for pickup as well.)

Address: 281 Resource Drive, New Braunfels

3.The City of New Braunfels Recycle Center (Free mulch available for pickup as well.)

 Address: 488 S. Castell Ave

Details on exact drop off dates and times to follow shortly.